“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
– Hebrews 11:8-10
I am Abraham.
I have left Kansas City to live in Texas. I have left my home in hopes that God will give me an inheritance, even though I do not know where I am going.
I don’t enjoy being Abraham.
My husband and I are knee-deep in searching for a literal home. Thankfully my in-laws are gluttons for punishment and are housing my whole family during this time of transition. I am sure they are ready for the quiet to return to their home, but for now it is high-pitched laughter and ear-piercing screams of fun from two little bodies running through the living room.
I am desperately praying for some guidance on the house God is preparing for us. I trust that the God who prepared a place for us in Texas now is also preparing a more permanent home to rest our heads every night. But I am anxious and want answers NOW. Maybe you have been there. Maybe you ARE there. It isn’t that you lack faith (or maybe you do struggle with that), it is that you long to hear the outcome now, before it is realized.
This makes you Abraham, too.
You may not be looking for guidance in where you will live, but you search for answers for your wandering heart. Who is God calling you to date? What job should you take? What school should your child attend? As I reflected on this reading in Hebrews, I am reminded that I don’t want just any home. I want the home God has waiting for me. Just like Abraham, I want God to be the “architect and builder.” My focus has been so zoomed-in on “which” house and “where” that I have lost sight of praying for the foundation to be formed by the ultimate Creator. Building my home from the bottom up ensures a long-lasting future and effective outreach for Him.
If my home finds a firm foundation in Christ, the walls and windows will stand strong against the heat of the Texas sun. It will give me a sturdy door to open to those that are hurting in my neighborhood. The kitchen will welcome the kids from my son’s school that are searching for an example of a loving family. My home is God’s home. My foundation is God’s Word played out in my life. The house is worth nothing without God being the architect, literally and figuratively.
What area of your life do you need to ask God to be the foundation? Do you need to shift your focus to the basement rather than the walls? Take a look at my story on Vimeo of how God used my home to make a big impact for His kingdom. He is preparing to do the same for you and in you. Just have faith like Abraham.
Your promised land will be revealed at exactly the right time!
Beautiful Erica. So proud of your new work. I pray that God would bless it and use it to sanctify you. Your line “My home is God’s home. My foundation is God’s Word played out in my life. ” rings so true in my own life right now. Thankful for a God who never changes and is a firm foundation through all of life’s transitions. Miss you!